No one would argue that students should learn basic science and math during their primary-school years. Likewise, we all agree that STEM programs – science, technology, engineering, and math – are making a big difference in prepping high schoolers for careers in hands-on tech fields.
But is combining the two truly beneficial? Can a full-fledged STEM program work at the elementary school level and give your children a valuable head start?
The evidence overwhelmingly suggests it can.
The question is not if elementary schools should have STEM programs. Here’s why the better question is how early these important experiences should start.
"What is that?"
"How does that work?"
"Why is that happening?"
Kids are constantly asking about the world around them. This innate curiosity leads them to explore their environment, problem-solve, invent, and discover new things.
"It is through play that young children are able to engage in this learning process, and it is through play that adults can support and guide children's natural desire to explore and learn about STEM ideas," explains Caileigh Flannigan in her research on young kids in STEM.
This natural alignment between childhood curiosity and STEM learning creates a perfect opportunity at the elementary level.
Young children love STEM activities. They are drawn to them without knowing they are learning scientific ideas:
Elementary school children are natural scientists and engineers. Organized STEM programs simply provide structure and guidance to this natural exploration. According to the Sphero Team, "That determination to build, experiment, and iterate can be the foundation for learning about basic engineering concepts like simple machines. Knowledge informs play, and vice versa."
Sphero is an educational technology company founded in 2010. They create programmable robots for STEM learning.
Recent data paints a concerning picture of STEM education in America. More than 75% of Americans believe we are falling behind in global science and technology. U.S. students rank 12th out of 37 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in science scores. These statistics show that we need effective STEM solutions starting at a young age.
The importance of early introduction cannot be overstated. A YouGov study commissioned by littleBits found that 62 percent of working adults were not introduced to STEM-related subjects at all in elementary school. This gap in early education has long-term consequences for STEM engagement and proficiency.
Elementary school is a key time for learning basic STEM concepts:
STEM education offers benefits beyond just science and math skills. These benefits are especially strong when taught in grades K-6:
Collaborative STEM project-based learning gives elementary children a chance to build important social-emotional skills:
At the 2025 National STEM Festival, one main point was repeated many times: Student innovations often come from “empathy and a desire to help others solve problems.” These social-emotional outcomes are equally important as the technical knowledge kids gain.
STEM activities naturally encourage critical thinking skills through:
These higher-order thinking skills become second nature when practiced from an early age through engaging STEM activities.
Early STEM education builds important skills for future success:
The Sphero Team emphasizes that "STEM classrooms are also perfect incubators for teaching students 21st Century Skills, including media and technology literacy."
Hands-on, project-based learning makes primary-age kids better learners, period. Elementary STEM naturally connects to other subject areas:
This cross-disciplinary approach helps children see connections between subject areas rather than viewing knowledge as separate silos.
The main challenge in elementary STEM education is finding fun ways to teach complex ideas. Traditional classroom methods often don’t work well in these subjects. This is why new solutions are changing how we teach STEM to young students.
Hands-On, Experiential Learning
Research consistently shows that elementary students learn STEM concepts best through direct experience:
Innovative engagement methods, like token-based reward systems, are proving to be very successful with elementary students in STEM:
A STEM project vending machine is one such method. It uses a complete program that:
Dr. Joseph Polat, Executive Director of BuffSci, explains: "This innovative tool presents a significant step forward in how we engage STEM education by creating a fun, hands-on approach that fosters curiosity and problem-solving."
Jason Blumberg, Founder and CEO of Global Vending Group, adds context to this innovative approach: "Imagine students eagerly approaching this vending machine, not for snacks or trinkets, but for hands-on STEM kits, coding challenges, and interactive projects that ignite their imagination. This machine will serve as a gateway to a world of exploration, where learning isn't confined to textbooks."
Age-appropriate technology tools can significantly enhance elementary STEM learning:
These technologies, when implemented thoughtfully, can make complex STEM concepts accessible and engaging for young learners.
Elementary STEM programs do more than prepare students for school. They can also help fix unfairness in education.
Underrepresentation in STEM fields begins early, making elementary intervention crucial. Women, minorities, and students from low-income backgrounds remain significantly underrepresented in STEM careers.
Science, technology, engineering, and math careers offer pathways to economic mobility. STEM jobs are projected to grow by almost 10% by 2030.
These careers typically offer higher-than-average salaries. Early STEM exposure can open doors to these opportunities for all students
As Principal Brianna Lanoye of BuffSci Elementary School emphasizes, "We must equip our students with the tools and knowledge to be successful in an ever-evolving world."
Thoughtful elementary STEM programs can help bridge digital divides:
Early interventions help stop achievement gaps from getting bigger as students grow older.
Effective elementary STEM programs share certain characteristics that educators should consider when implementing or enhancing STEM initiatives:
Successful elementary STEM programs match activities with what students are capable of grasping:
For young children, STEM learning should feel like play, even though they’re building important skills and knowledge.
The best elementary project-based learning is not separate. It’s a part of every school day:
This integration helps children see STEM as part of everyday thinking rather than a separate subject.
Engaging with STEM concepts often means more to K-6 growth than textbook theory or fact memorization:
As noted by researchers, "Some students gravitate more towards the kinesthetic than others, but all children should experience some form of hands-on learning, especially in activities like science experiments and simple engineering."
Recognition and reward systems sustain engagement and build confidence:
Early STEM education has many benefits that last into the future. This makes elementary STEM programs a strong investment for everyone.
Early STEM experiences nurture creative problem-solving abilities:
Events like the National STEM Festival demonstrate what's possible when young minds engage with STEM from an early age. The 2025 version showcased 103 winning innovations from students in grades 6-12, including a neonatal incubator that doesn't require electricity, a prosthetic hand, and a method to detect soil moisture using aerial imagery.
As Jenny Buccos, co-founder of the STEM education media company EXPLR, asks: "How do we keep them in the STEM pipeline? These kids are super smart, they are innovative, they are problem solvers. How do we give them the opportunities they need?"
Early elementary STEM experiences lay the groundwork for this innovation pipeline.
Most importantly, elementary STEM fosters an enduring love of learning:
Christine Cunningham, senior vice president of STEM learning at the Museum of Science in Boston, emphasizes that early science-based experiences help students see themselves in STEM pathways.
"Having an opportunity to see yourself in other folks who are further along in their trajectory can help kids persist in science," she says.
Consider young children's curiosity and how it connects with STEM concepts. This alone shows the importance of elementary STEM project-based learning. These programs build a strong base for future learning and develop skills beyond just technical knowledge.
The real question is not if elementary STEM programs are worth it, but if we can afford to ignore them. STEM skills are becoming more important for both the jobs of today and those that don’t even exist yet.
By investing in quality STEM education in elementary schools, we are not just teaching science and math. We are nurturing the innovators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers our world needs.
Are you ready to improve your school's elementary STEM program with fun, reward-based learning? Visit STEMVending.com to learn more about Morgan's Marvelous STEM Machine and our STEM kit bundles. It can change STEM education at your school. Our method uses children's natural curiosity. It also provides structure and excitement. This makes STEM learning fun for elementary students.